Writing a short story is an art that allows a writer to express emotions such as pain, happiness, consciousness, anger, and love through his pen, not only bringing joy to the reader but also reflecting his ethical values. Among the eminent storytellers born in Kashmir, Dr. Nazeer Mushtaq stands as a revered name. While he has ventured into novel writing, his forte lies in short story and mini-short story writing, representing various strata of society.
I’ve read not only his stories but also his mini-short stories because, besides being engaging and beautiful, he impart valuable lessons. In his mini-short stories, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq exhibits his mastery and artistic expression, making readers feel as though he has encountered not mere tales but glimpses of his soul. The story I am discussing by Dr. Nazir Mushtaq is titled ‘Galti’ in Urdu, and after translating it into English, I’ve named it ‘Mistake.’ Each word in the mini-short story that you would read is metaphorically employed, aiming to awaken the dormant human conscience.
As I read and reread, I found immense pleasure and ended up reading this mini-short story sixteen times. Ultimately, it instilled in me the realization that a writer doesn’t just write; rather, a devine force accompanies him, compelling him to become the eyes, ears, and voice of his time. Before delving further into the mini-short story, I believe it’s essential for you to read mini-short story yourself to comprehend this commentary easily.
“Short Story Entitled as
“MISTAKE “
Suddenly, between them, a spark ignited, and before they knew it, a heated argument ensued. Dinu, in anger, stormed out of the house. It was ten o’clock at night when he headed towards the mosque to spend the night there. His wife, distraught and confused, wandered aimlessly around the house, alone. The door was left open. Suddenly, a tall, limping figure entered the house and called out, “Hey Dinu, where are you? Your childhood friend, Bakhtawar, has arrived from Mumbai.” Unexpectedly, Dinu’s wife stood before him and exclaimed, “Bhabhi, where is my friend?” The wife narrated the entire incident. “Oh, then I should leave,” said Bakhtawar, intending to depart, but Dinu’s wife stopped him. “No, you stay, they’ll return soon.” Bakhtawar went to sleep in another room.
Dinu, after offering the Fajr prayer at the mosque, regretfully draped a black shroud of remorse over himself as he entered the house. The door was open. Quietly, he tiptoed to the bedroom. His wife, lying with closed eyes, was touched gently on both shoulders by Dinu. Suddenly, a surge of emotion hit him like lightning. The words spoken softly by his wife, lying with closed eyes on the bed, resonated in his ears.
“Bakhtawar, you’ve exhausted me tonight; let me sleep.”
The story “MISTAKE” written by Dr Nazir Mushtaq actually in urdu as “Galti” encapsulates a series of misunderstandings that lead to a cascade of unintended consequences. It revolves around Dinu, his wife, and the arrival of his childhood friend, Bakhtawar. The narrative begins with a heated argument between Dinu and his wife, resulting in Dinu storming out of the house, seeking solace at a mosque. Simultaneously, Bakhtawar arrives, unaware of the tension, and mistakenly assumes Dinu’s absence, engaging in a conversation with Dinu’s wife. This confusion sets the stage for the central conflict.
The essence of the story lies in miscommunication and the repercussions of assumptions. The misinterpretation of identities and circumstances by Dinu’s wife and Bakhtawar creates a chain of events leading to a poignant revelation. The dramatic irony surrounding Dinu’s return and his wife’s mistaken perception add depth to the narrative, showcasing the fragility of trust and the consequences of impulsive actions.
At its core, the story delves into the theme of misunderstanding and its aftermath. It highlights the significance of effective communication in relationships. The absence of clear communication between Dinu and his wife escalates a simple argument into a complicated scenario, resulting in emotional turmoil and misconceptions. Additionally, it sheds light on the human tendency to jump to conclusions based on incomplete information, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding before drawing conclusions.
Moreover, the story touches upon remorse and regret as Dinu realizes the grave mistake caused by the misunderstanding. His return home is marked by a sense of regret and the weight of his actions, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. The juxtaposition of Dinu’s internal conflict with his wife’s unknowing misinterpretation creates a powerful climax, ultimately revealing the depth of the miscommunication and its profound impact.
In essence, “MISTAKE” serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to value clear communication, patience, and understanding in relationships. It portrays the fragility of trust and the consequences of assumptions, leaving a lasting message about the importance of transparent and honest communication to avoid misunderstandings and their adverse effects.
Tousif Raza is a student of english literature hails from Tangmarg and can be reached at tousifeqbal555@gmail.com
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